Retractor and anti-swing magnet system

ABSTRACT

A retractor system for personal articles is disclosed that only allows for easy access to the personal article, but also provides for anti-swing mechanisms that prevent swinging of the personal article when it is not in use. One such retractor system comprises a garment with a retractor mounted to the garment. The retractor comprising a housing with an internal spring and a line capable of extending from the housing, with the spring urging retraction of the line back in the housing. The line passing through an opening in the housing and comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching to a personal article. A stop is also included on the line, wherein the stop prevents a portion of the line from retracting into the housing, with the personal article hanging from the retractor when not in use. A holding feature, such as a magnet, is included to hold the personal article against the garment when not in use, with the holding feature preventing swinging of the personal article.

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/161,751, filed on Mar. 16, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to retractors, and in particular, retractor systems having and retractor device and anti-swing magnet.

Description of the Related Art

Retracting devices have been developed for housing cables and cords such as those used for telephones, hose reels and cellular phone earpieces. [See U.S. Pat. No. 094,396 to Burke, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,446 to Ditzig and U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,010 to DiBono]. Retracting devices have also been developed having a means for removing the tethered article from the tethering device such as in the case of keys, SCUBA gear and microphones.

Personal communication devices such as cell phones can be attached or mounted to a person using different devices. In the case of cell phones some of these mounting devices include leather case with belt clips or other mechanisms for attaching to a belt. Other mounting devices can comprise a plastic holster which attaches to a belt or purse. For different users such as first responders, construction workers, military personal or sportsmen, garments can be worn that a plurality of pockets for holding personal articles. The personal article can be removed from the pocket by the user and then returned to the pocket following use.

One of the advantages of these holstering devices and pocket arrangement is that they allow for easy access and retrieval of the personal article. This advantage, however, also results in one of their primary disadvantages. The ease of access typically prevents these mounting devices from properly securing the personal devices, which can result in their falling out under many circumstances, such as when getting in and out of a vehicle or when they are bumped. Furthermore, when the personal device is removed from these holstering devices or pockets there is no mechanism for preventing the phone from falling to the ground if jarred or dropped from the user's hand.

A wrist lanyard has been developed which helps prevent cell phones from falling to the ground when being used. The lanyard typically comprises a rope or string that is tied or otherwise attached to the cell phone and has a loop that is large enough for a user's hand to pass through. To secure the cell phone, the user must pass a hand through the loop when the cell phone is in the user's hand. When the cell phone is not in use, the lanyard can be tied to a belt loop. One disadvantage of this device is that when the phone is tied to a belt loop, untying the lanyard from the loop to use the phone can be awkward and inconvenient. It can also be awkward passing a hand through the loop every time the cell phone is used.

More recent arrangements have provided for tethering of the phone or other personal article or hand operable device to a retractor, which is then mounted to the user's body. Some of these arrangements are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,665,684 and 8,794,560, both to Salentine et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Some of these recent arrangements also provide for attaching one or more retractor devices to a garment and attaching a personal article to the retractor where it is available for easy access. In some of these arrangements, the retractor devices can be arranged with a pocket so that the line pulls the personal article back toward and into the pocket. These retractor arrangements can be included as part of or as add-ons to a garment, and are particularly applicable for the users mentioned above. Some of these retractor arrangements are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,572 and Ser. No. 16/423,114, both to Salentine et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In these arrangements, when the personal article is not used it can hang in front of the user, either below the retractor device mounted to the user or outside of the user's pocket. One disadvantage of this arrangement is that when the personal article is not grasped by the user, it can swing back and forth below the retractor or outside of the pocket. This can be uncomfortable for the user, and can result in damage to the personal article, in damage to surrounding articles, and in extreme cases can result in injury to the user or those around the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a retractor system for personal articles that only allows for easy access to the personal article, but also provides for anti-swing mechanisms that prevent swinging of the personal article when it is not in use.

One embodiment of a retractor system according to the present invention comprises a garment with a retractor mounted to the garment. The retractor comprising a housing with an internal spring and a line capable of extending from the housing, with the spring urging retraction of the line back in the housing. The line passing through an opening in said housing and comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching to a personal article. A stop is also included on the line, wherein the stop prevents a portion of the line from retracting into the housing, with the personal article hanging from the retractor when not in use. A holding feature is included to hold the personal article against the garment when not in use, with the holding feature preventing swinging of the personal article.

One embodiment of a garment with a retractor system according to the present invention comprises a retractor mounted integral to the garment, with the retractor comprising a housing with an internal retraction mechanism and a line capable of extending from the housing. The retraction mechanism urges retraction of line back in said housing. An attachment mechanism is included for attaching the line to a hand operable device so that the retractor urges retraction of the hand operable device to the retractor when the hand operable device is not in use. A magnet device is included to hold the hand operable device to the garment when said the hand operable device is retracted to the retractor. The garment according to the present invention can also comprise a holster or pouch that can be part of the garment, or separately mounted to the user.

The systems according to the present invention can comprise many different features as described below. These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example in the features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a retractor system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of one embodiment of a retractor system according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of one embodiment of a retractor system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to different retractor and anti-swing systems used with personal articles mounted to garments. In some embodiments, the systems can comprise a retractor mounted to a user. The retractor can be mounted in different ways with some embodiments having retractors mounted to a garment or in the pocket or pouch of a garment. The present invention is particularly applicable to garments worn by the users mentioned above, including first responders, construction workers, military personal or sportsmen.

The retractors also include a connection mechanism for mounting a personal article to the retractor's extendable line. Many different attachment mechanisms can be used as further described below. When not being used, the personal article can hang from the retractor. To reduce or eliminate the swing of the hanging personal article, embodiments of the present invention can comprise an anti-swing mechanism to hold the personal device to the user in its naturally hanging location. The anti-swing mechanism according to the present invention rely on magnetic attraction between the personal article and features on the user. The magnetic attraction is typically enough to hold the personal article to the user and prevent it from swinging when hanging from the retractor, while at the same time allowing for easy and convenient pulling of the article by the user away from the user for use. Once the personal article is done being used, the personal article can be returned to area of magnetic attraction where it can again be held to the user.

In some embodiments, this anti-swing mechanism can comprise a magnet mounted to the garment. A cooperating magnet can be mounted to the personal article such that when the article is not being used and the line is retracted into the retractor, the magnetic field of the two magnets cooperate to draw the personal article magnet (and thus the personal article) to the garment magnet. The magnetic forces between the magnets should be strong enough to hold the personal article in place when the user moves about, while not being so strong that the personal article is difficult to pull away from the garment. This results in an improved retractor system where the personal article can hang below the retractor for easy access, but not swing about when not in use.

It is understood that the personal article, retractor and magnets can be mounted in many different ways and in many different locations. In some embodiments multiple retractors can be used to hold multiple personal articles, with the garment arranged so that there is magnetic attraction between at least some of the personal articles and the garment. This results in at least some of the personal article being held in place when hanging from their respective retractors. It is also understood that the magnet systems according to the present invention can be included during manufacturing of the garment, or the garment can be later retrofitted to include the magnet system. In some embodiments, the magnet system according to the present invention can be movable to allow for the garment to customizable to fit the particular location of the retractor and the personal article.

In some embodiments there may only be a single magnet, such as when the personal article is made of a metal that is attracted to magnets. A single magnet can be included on the garment so the magnetic attraction between the metal portion(s) of the personal article and the single magnet hold the personal article from swinging. Similarly, the garment can have a metal feature (e.g., button, zipper, pocket latch, etc.) and the personal article can have a single magnet that is attracted to this metal feature to hold the personal article from swinging. In some embodiments, the metal portions of the personal article or garment can be normal operational features or can comprise metal portions added to the personal article or garment for purposes of the magnetic attraction according to the present invention.

The present invention is described herein with reference to certain embodiments, but it is understood that the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It is further understood that different embodiments can comprise different materials arranged in different ways, and can comprise different features. Different embodiments can also be arranged for mounting to other locations other than a directly to a user.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” another element, it can be directly on, or in contact with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, or “directly connected to” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, and/or sections, these elements and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, or section from another element, or section. Thus, a first element or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to perspective view illustrations that are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of the invention. As such, the actual thickness or size of components can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. A region or element illustrated or described as being generally square or rectangular can have rounded or curved features due to normal manufacturing tolerances. Thus, the features illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a feature of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1 through 3 show one embodiment of a retractor and anti-swing system 10 according to the present invention that comprises a retractor 12 mounted to garment 14, with a personal article 16 attached to the retractor 12. In the embodiment shown, the personal article comprises a flashlight, with the retractor mounted to the jacket of a first responder such as a fireman. It is understood, however, that the systems according to the present invention can be used with many other personal articles in many different applications.

In the embodiment shown, the retractor 12 comprises a retractor housing 20 with a line 18 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is coiled and housed within the retractor housing 20. The personal article 16 is attached to the line 18 and the line 18 can extend from the retractor housing 20 under a pulling force when the user uses the personal article 16. The housing 20 comprises an internal coil spring and when the user pulls the personal article 16 away from the retractor 12, the line 18 extends from the retractor housing 20 against the retraction force of an internal retractor spring. When the user's pulling force is removed from the personal article 16, the line 18 can be pulled back into the housing 20 and recoiled by the internal coil spring. This in turn pulls the personal article 16 back toward the retractor mechanism 12 until the connector 22 abuts the retractor housing 20.

The personal article 16 can be attached to the line using many different attachment mechanisms. In the embodiment shown, the personal article 16 is attached to connector 22 having first and second connector parts 22 a, 22 b. The first connector part 22 a is connected to the end of the line 18 and mates with the second connector part 22 b that is connected to the personal article 16. In the embodiment shown, the personal article can be attached to the second part by a split ring 24, but it is understood that many other attachment mechanisms can be used. One such two-part connector is described and claimed in U.S. Design patent application No. D593,403 both to Salentine et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In embodiments according to the present invention, a first magnet 26 a can be mounted to the garment and a second magnet 26 b can be mounted to the personal article 16. The first magnet 26 a is mounted at a location on the garment 14 so that it is generally at the same location/level as the second magnet 26 b when the personal article 16 is retracted and hangs from the retractor 12. As mentioned above,

In the embodiment shown, the first magnet can be generally below the retractor 12, such that when the personal article 16 is retracted and hangs from the retractor 12, the magnetic fields of the first and second magnets 26 a, 26 b interact, drawing the magnets 26 a, 26 b together. This in turn draws the personal article to the first magnet and the magnetic field should be strong enough to hold the magnets together, even when the user is moving. This prevents the personal article 16 from swinging when the user moves, and reduces/prevents the damage or injury that can be caused by a swinging personal article.

The first and second magnets 26 a, 26 b can be mounted in place at the desired location using many different mounting methods and devices. In some embodiment the first magnet can be mounted to the garment by Velcro®, by a pin and anchor arranged, or can be sewn in place or mounted in place by an adhesive or tape. In other embodiments can be mounted in a pocket in garment that can be formed in various locations on the inside or outside of the garment.

In the embodiment shown, the outside surface of the first magnet 26 a is exposed above the surface of the garment 14, but it is understood that in other embodiments the first magnet can be covered such as by a layer of the garment 14 or the surfaces of a pocket such as when the first magnet 26 a is mounted in a pocket. The layers covering the first magnet should be thin enough or made of the appropriate material not to interfere with the interaction of the magnetic fields between the first and second magnets 26 a, 26 b.

The second magnet 26 b can also be mounted in place using many different methods and devices. In some embodiments it can be mounted in place using screws, clips or an adhesive. In other embodiments the second magnet 26 b can be formed integral to the personal article 16. Features of the personal article can be magnets, such as buttons or switches or portions of the personal article body.

In still other embodiments where the personal article 16 is made of metal or combination of metals that are attracted by a magnet, a second magnet may not be needed. In these embodiments, the magnetic force between the personal article and the first magnet 26 a can be strong enough to hold the personal article in place to prevent it from swinging.

It is understood that in other embodiments according to the present invention more than two magnets can be used that can be arranged in different locations on the garment or personal article to achieve the desired magnetic attraction and holding force. In still other embodiments only one magnet can be used. For example, if the personal article is made of a material that is drawn to a magnet (such as a metal) a single magnet need only be included on the garment. The attraction between the personal article and the magnet can be strong enough to hold personal article in place. Similarly, if the garment has a feature that is made of a material that is attracted to a magnet, a single magnet can be included on the personal article that is attracted to the single magnet. It is understood that other embodiments can have multiple magnets that are included only on the garment, or multiple magnets that are included only on the personal article.

Different embodiments of the present invention can comprise different mechanisms for holding the personal article to the garment beyond magnets. Some of these include hooks, snaps, Velcro®, etc. Like the magnets described above, these different holding arrangements should be strong enough to hold the personal article in place while the user moves around, while at the same time allowing for easy access and use of the personal article.

Many different garments can be used with the retractor systems according to the present invention beyond the jacket shown in FIGS. 1-3. This can include shirts, vests, pants, shorts, or other devices that a user might wear such as a back or backpack. The vests can include safety vests or military utility vests such as Mollie vests.

The present invention can also be used in holsters/pouches wherein the retractor can be integral to the holster/pouch. In some embodiments the retractor can be mounted inside the holster/pouch, while in other embodiments it can be mounted outside the holster/pouch, such as adjacent the pouch opening. The personal article or hand operable device can be attached to the retractor, with some embodiments having a lanyard attaching the personal article to the retractor line. The personal article can hang by the lanyard (or line) and can rest against the outside surface of the pouch. A magnet (or other holding device described above) can be included on the personal article, pouch surface, or both, to hold the personal article against the pouch to prevent swinging as described above. As mentioned above, the magnet system can be included during manufacturing of the holster/pouch, or can be added to retrofit an existing holster/pouch. The magnets can also be movable on the holster/punch to allow for use with different personal articles mounted in different locations.

It is understood that many different mechanisms and arrangements can be used in the different systems according to the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above. 

We claim:
 1. A retractor system, comprising: a garment; a retractor mounted to said garment, said retractor comprising a housing with an internal spring, and a line capable of extending from said housing, said spring urging retraction of said line back in said housing, said line passing through an opening in said housing and comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching to a personal article; a stop on said line, wherein said stop prevents a portion of said line from retracting into said housing, with said personal article hanging from said retractor when not in use; and a holding feature to hold said personal article against said garment when not in use, said holding feature preventing swinging of said personal article.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said holding feature comprises magnetic attraction between said personal article and said garment.
 3. The systems of claim 1, wherein said holding feature comprises a magnet.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said magnet is on said personal article or said garment.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said holding feature comprises a first magnet on said personal article and second magnet on said garment.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said holding feature comprises a device from the group including hook, snap or Velcro®.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said retractor is mounted integral to a holster/pouch.
 8. The system of claim 1, also comprising a retractor mounting mechanism to mount said retractor to said garment.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said line is connected to said personal article by a lanyard.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said line is connected to said personal article by a disconnect mechanism.
 11. The retractor of claim 10, wherein said disconnect mechanism prevents said line from being fully retracted into said housing.
 12. A garment with a retractor system, comprising: a retractor mounted integral to said garment, said retractor comprising a housing with an internal retraction mechanism and a line capable of extending from said housing, said retraction mechanism urging retraction of said line back in said housing; an attachment mechanism for attaching said line to a hand operable device so that retractor urges retraction of said hand operable device to said retractor when said hand operable device is not in use; and a magnet device to hold said hand operable device to said garment when said hand operable device is retracted to said retractor.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said magnet device provides a magnetic attraction between said hand operable device and said garment.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein said magnet device comprises a first magnet on said personal article or said garment.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein said magnet device comprises a first magnet on said personal article and second magnet on said garment.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein said retractor is mounted integral to a holster/pouch.
 17. The system of claim 12, also comprising a retractor mounting mechanism to mount said retractor to said garment.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein said line is connected to said personal article by a lanyard.
 19. The retractor of claim 12, wherein said attachment mechanism prevents said line from being fully retracted into said housing.
 20. A holster retractor system, comprising: a holster/pouch sized to hold a hand operable device and comprising a mounting mechanism to mount to a user; a retractor mounted integral to said holster/pouch and in a position operate with said holster/pouch, said retractor comprising a housing with an internal retraction mechanism, and a line capable of extending from said housing into said holster/pouch, said retraction mechanism urging retraction of said line back in said housing, said line comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching to hand operable device; a magnet device to hold said hand operable device to said holster/pouch when said line is retracted into said housing. 